CS2 vs CSGO Crosshair Settings: Which Dot Crosshair Works Best?

The transition from CS:GO to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) wasn't just a graphical upgrade—it was an engine change that subtly but significantly impacted how the game looks and feels, and the crosshair is no exception.

For players who prefer the precision and minimalist view of a dot crosshair, the question isn't if they should use one, but how the best settings differ between the two games.

Here is a breakdown of the differences, why your old settings might feel off in CS2, and the optimal dot crosshair setup for the new era of Counter-Strike.

The Fundamental Shift: Source Engine to Source 2

The core difference between the two games that affects your dot crosshair is the new rendering pipeline in the Source 2 engine.

In CS2, visual elements—including the crosshair—are rendered with higher fidelity and better anti-aliasing. This leads to two key changes for dot crosshair enthusiasts:

1. Cleaner Appearance: The dot in CS2 generally appears smoother and less pixelated, even at low resolutions.

2. Perceived Size Change: Because of the new rendering, a crosshair with the exact same console commands from CS:GO might appear slightly thicker, darker, or overall more prominent in CS2. This can obstruct your view more than you are used to.

3. Outline Issue: In CS:GO, many players used an outline thickness of 0.5 for a subtle, shadow-like effect. In CS2, values below 1.0 often result in no outline at all, forcing players to use a more visible black border or remove the outline entirely.

The takeaway: If you simply copied your CS:GO dot crosshair code into CS2 and it feels "too big" or "too blocky," the rendering change is likely the culprit.

CS:GO Dot Crosshair: The Legacy Setup

In CS:GO, the dot crosshair was prized for its raw, pinpoint accuracy, often used by pro AWPers and precision riflers. The settings were designed to be as minimal as possible to avoid screen clutter.

Setting	Console Command	Typical Dot Value
Style	cl_crosshairstyle	4 (Classic Static)
Dot	cl_crosshairdot	1
Size/Length	cl_crosshairsize	0 or 0.1 (removes lines)
Thickness	cl_crosshairthickness	1.0 (small dot) to 1.5
Outline	cl_crosshair_outlinethickness	0.5 (for a subtle shadow)

Why it worked: The cl_crosshairsize 0 with a thickness of 1.0 resulted in a perfectly small, distinct center dot, and the 0.5 outline added just enough contrast without becoming distracting.

CS2 Dot Crosshair: The Optimized Setup

To achieve the same feel of a minimalist dot crosshair in CS2, you often need to adjust the settings to compensate for the engine's increased clarity.

The goal is to maintain visibility while reducing the size that the Source 2 engine naturally amplifies.

Optimal Dot Crosshair Settings for CS2:

Setting	Console Command	Recommended CS2 Dot Value	Adjustment Rationale
Style	cl_crosshairstyle	4 (Classic Static)	Unchanged—the standard for static aim.
Dot	cl_crosshairdot	1	Essential for a true dot crosshair.
Length	cl_crosshairsize	0	Must be zero to remove surrounding lines.
Thickness	cl_crosshairthickness	0.7 to 1.0	Crucial: Lower than CS:GO values to keep the dot small and less obstructive due to rendering changes.
Outline	cl_crosshair_drawoutline	0 (Disabled)	Recommended: Since 0.5 doesn't work, turning the outline off provides the cleanest, smallest dot.
Gap	cl_crosshairgap	0 (Irrelevant)	Irrelevant when Length is 0.

The "Best" Dot Crosshair: CS2 Wins on Clarity

When comparing which dot crosshair ultimately works best, the CS2-optimized dot crosshair has the edge, but for different reasons:

Game	Advantage of Dot Crosshair	Best For
CS:GO	Purest Form: Easier to get an extremely thin, fine dot using console commands like cl_crosshairthickness 0.1 without it disappearing.	Players who prioritize a paper-thin dot for pixel-perfect long-range taps.
CS2	Visual Clarity: The Dot Crosshair is clearer, better anti-aliased, and easier to track against busy backgrounds due to the Source 2 engine's modern rendering.	Players who want a clean, visible, and stable reference point for headshots and initial bullet placement.

The key to mastering the dot crosshair in CS2 is accepting that you must use a slightly smaller Thickness value (0.7 to 1.0) than you might have in CS:GO to achieve the same minimalist feel.

Pro Player Dot Crosshair Code for CS2

Want a pro-tested dot crosshair? Try this code, which is a variation of what top-tier players like s1mple have used:

Optimal CS2 Dot Crosshair Code (Green):

CSGO-b6W6o-C4RMT-t6s85-Rz4gX-X7HPA

Final Verdict: The Dot is Still King for Precision

The dot crosshair remains a fantastic choice for precise aiming in CS2. While the engine change requires a small adjustment to your Thickness setting, the improved visual fidelity of Source 2 means your tiny dot is now a high-definition pinpoint, making it easier than ever to center your shot on the enemy's head.

Don't try to replicate your CS:GO settings exactly. Embrace the clarity of CS2, slightly reduce your dot's thickness, and focus on the beautiful headshots that follow.